Automated histological processing of biological specimens and associated technology

Abstract

Automated system configured to perform and methods for performing one or more slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. The system and methods enable high sample throughput while also minimizing or limiting the potential for cross-contamination of slides. The automated systems can include features that facilitate consistency, controllability of processing time, and/or processing temperature.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A system for processing a specimen on a slide, the system comprising:
 an automated slide processing module including
 a holding chamber, and 
 an airknife assembly configured to move a volume of liquid along the slide held in the holding chamber, wherein the airknife assembly includes
 a first gas knife configured to form a first gas curtain, and 
 a second gas knife configured to form a second gas curtain, wherein the first and second gas knives are spaced apart such that the first gas curtain and the second gas curtain define a containment gap for holding the volume of liquid on the slide while the airknife assembly moves along the slide. 
 
   
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein at least one of the first gas curtain or the second gas curtain extends across a width of an upper surface of the slide. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein the first gas knife includes a plurality of outlets configured to output gas that forms the first gas curtain such that the first gas curtain extends across most or all of a width of an upper surface of the slide. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein the first gas knife is configured to form the first air gas curtain that extends across a width of the slide and generally perpedicular to a length of the slide. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein the first gas knife includes a first row of first outlets, and wherein the second gas knife includes a second row of second outlets. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 27 , further comprising a controller in communication with the automated slide processing module and configured to command the automated slide processing module to deliver a reagent onto an upper surface of the slide, and wherein the volume of liquid includes the reagent. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 27 , further comprising a controller programmed to cause the airknife assembly to move along the slide while a freestanding puddle of the volume of liquid is held in the containment gap, thereby moving the freestanding puddle of the volume of liquid along the slide. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 27 , further comprising a controller containing instructions for commanding one or more of dispenser heads of the automated slide processing module to deliver reagents onto the slide. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 27 , further comprising a controller in communication with the automated slide processing module and programmed to perform a slide end-to-end reagent dispense routine along the slide using the first and second gas curtains. 
     
     
         36 . A system for processing a specimen on a slide, the system comprising:
 an automated slide processing module including
 a holding chamber, and 
 an airknife assembly configured to move a volume of liquid along the slide held in the holding chamber, wherein the airknife assembly is configured to produce at least one gas curtain configured to surround opposite sides of the volume of liquid held on the slide while the at least one gas curtain moves the volume of liquid along the slide; and 
   a controller programmed to command the automated slide processing module to cause the at least one gas curtain to move along an upper surface of the slide.   
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 36 , wherein the at least one gas curtain further comprises a first gas curtain and a second gas curtain spaced apart from the first gas curtain to define a containment gap between the first and second gas curtains. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein the airknife assembly is configured to increase or decrease a distance between the first gas curtain and the second gas curtain to adjust a size of the containment gap. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 36 , wherein the at least one gas curtain extends around most of a containment gap configured to contain the volume of liquid on the upper surface of the slide. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 36 , wherein the airknife assembly includes a V-shaped airknife. 
     
     
         41 . The system of  claim 36 , wherein the airknife assembly moves back and forth across the slide to translate the volume of liquid along a longitudinal length of the upper surface of the slide. 
     
     
         42 . The system of  claim 36 , further comprising at least one suction element configured to cooperate with the at least one gas curtain to remove at least some of the liquid from the upper surface of the slide. 
     
     
         43 . The system of  claim 36 , further comprising a plurality of suction elements that simultaneously remove the liquid from the slide.